“Much more surprising
things can happen to anyone who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought
comes into his mind, just has the sense to remember in time and push it out by
putting in an agreeable, determinedly courageous one. Two things cannot be in one
place.”
To me one of the most awful forms of harm comes from the
thoughts we allow to run rampant and the words we use carelessly.
When I was
in my 20’s I had epic poor self esteem.
I had to retake an entire semester of chemistry lab in college because I
was so scared to work with a partner.
What if they thought I was stupid?
What if, what if, what if???? How
many of us have failed at something because we couldn’t be supportive of
ourselves?
Many of us
battle the brain with our esteem. But
just like asana (physical practice of yoga), running or any other skill, success
comes with conscious practice. We have
to begin with developing awareness of our thoughts. The awareness is the beginning but as we
begin to notice our thoughts we need to become our own mediator. It’s like inviting the voice of reason into
your own head …. Only YOU are your own voice of reason!
When you
catch yourself thinking something negative or cruel, whether toward yourself,
life in general or the knucklehead who just cut you off in traffic; simply
replace the thought with one more positive.
It works, but sometimes you have to be earnest because those nasty
thoughts are often strong willed. Be
your own peacemaker. If you’re worried
you’ll fail, remind yourself of your other successes. If someone takes the parking spot you were
waiting for tell yourself they must really be having a bad day. It’s not completely for them; it’s for
you! Don’t ruin your day with the negative energy.
Think of the
Olympic sprinter on the starting line.
Do you think she allows herself a leisurely self-deprecating
thought? Absolutely not. Every successful athlete, every successful
business person has trained their mind to stay clear and confident. Many athletes go to sports psychologists to
learn to keep their mind in the game and even visualize the win. Negative thoughts at the starting line can
cost them the win. Negative thoughts
cost us our health and happiness.
If you find
yourself slipping down that spiral into mental doom please know that
perspective is a choice. Replace your
thoughts with something kind. If you
aren’t buying it right away repeat a positive mantra (it doesn’t have to be out
loud) … “I am _____ and ____”. Fill it in; be bold. “I am smart and capable.” Repeat it 10 times. See what happens.
Bonus:
Here’s a
great article describing the actual effects of negative and positive thought on
our physical heath:
http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/health/thoughts-emotions/how-do-thoughts-emotions-impact-health
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